Sirach 18

The Majesty of God

18 He who lives for ever created the whole universe;2 the Lord alone is just.[a]4 To none has he given power to proclaim his works;and who can search out his mighty deeds?5 Who can measure his majestic power?And who can fully recount his mercies?6 It is not possible to diminish or increase them,nor is it possible to fathom the wonders of the Lord.7 When human beings have finished, they are just beginning,and when they stop, they are still perplexed.8 What are human beings, and of what use are they?What is good in them, and what is evil?9 The number of days in their life is great if they reach one hundred years.[b]10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,so are a few years among the days of eternity.11 That is why the Lord is patient with themand pours out his mercy upon them.12 He sees and recognizes that their end is miserable;therefore he grants them forgiveness all the more.13 The compassion of human beings is for their neighbours,but the compassion of the Lord is for every living thing.He rebukes and trains and teaches them,and turns them back, as a shepherd his flock.14 He has compassion on those who accept his disciplineand who are eager for his precepts.

The Right Spirit in Giving Alms

15 My child, do not mix reproach with your good deeds,or spoil your gift by harsh words.16 Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?So a word is better than a gift.17 Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift?Both are to be found in a gracious person.18 A fool is ungracious and abusive,and the gift of a grudging giver makes the eyes dim.

The Need for Reflection and Self-Control

19 Before you speak, learn;and before you fall ill, take care of your health.20 Before judgement comes, examine yourself;and at the time of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.21 Before falling ill, humble yourself;and when you have sinned, repent.22 Let nothing hinder you from paying a vow promptly,and do not wait until death to be released from it.23 Before making a vow, prepare yourself;do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.24 Think of his wrath on the day of death,and of the moment of vengeance when he turns away his face.25 In the time of plenty think of the time of hunger;in days of wealth think of poverty and need.26 From morning to evening conditions change;all things move swiftly before the Lord.

27 One who is wise is cautious in everything;when sin is all around, one guards against wrongdoing.28 Every intelligent person knows wisdom,and praises one who finds her.29 Those who are skilled in words become wise themselves,and pour forth apt proverbs.[c]

30 Do not follow your base desires,but restrain your appetites.31 If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire,it will make you the laughing-stock of your enemies.32 Do not revel in great luxury,or you may become impoverished by its expense.33 Do not become a beggar by feasting with borrowed moneywhen you have nothing in your purse.[e]

Footnotes:

Sirach 18:2Other ancient authorities add and there is no other beside him; 3 he steers the world with the span of his hand, and all things obey his will; for he is king of all things by his power, separating among them the holy things from the profane.

Sirach 18:9Other ancient authorities add but the death of each one is beyond the calculation of all

Sirach 18:29Other ancient authorities add Better is confidence in the one Lord than clinging with a dead heart to a dead one.

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